In 2003, the Arkansas Bar Association petitioned the Arkansas Supreme Court to create an access to justice commission. The Court granted this request in December 2003, and it gave the Commission one objective: To provide equal access to justice in civil cases for all Arkansans.

In order to accomplish this objective, the Commission will:

• Develop an objective and accurate understanding of the problems Arkansans face in using our legal system to obtain justice in civil cases
• Devise a strategic plan for statewide delivery of civil legal services to all Arkansans
• Review and report on the efficient allocation and application of available resources
• Educate the people of Arkansas about the importance of equal access to justice and of the problems many Arkansans face in gaining effective access to our civil justice system
• Encourage a strong and consistent commitment to providing equal access to justice among the leaders of our state
• Suggest innovations that will increase effective access to the civil justice system for all Arkansans
• Provide technical and other support to the efforts of the legislature, courts, and other government agencies to improve access to justice for the people of Arkansas
• Develop stable, long-term funding and other resources to support access to civil justice.